Can a Quantum State Have Time-Dependent Eigenvalues?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of time-dependent eigenvalues in non-relativistic quantum mechanics, specifically regarding the operator \hat{Q} and the state |\psi(t)\rangle. It establishes that |\psi(t)\rangle can be considered an eigenstate of \hat{Q} with a time-dependent eigenvalue q(t), which varies based on the measurement time. The example provided illustrates that the wave function \psi(x,t) is a momentum eigenstate with a momentum eigenvalue g(t), demonstrating the relationship between time-dependent states and their corresponding eigenvalues.

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  • Understanding of non-relativistic quantum mechanics
  • Familiarity with operators and eigenstates in quantum theory
  • Knowledge of the Schrödinger picture
  • Basic concepts of wave functions and their properties
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Quantum physicists, graduate students in physics, and researchers interested in the dynamics of quantum states and their eigenvalues.

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Given an operator [tex]\hat{Q}[/tex] (in the Schrödinger picture) in non-relativistic quantum mechanics and a state [tex]|\psi(t)\rangle[/tex] such that

[tex]\hat{Q} |\psi(t)\rangle=q(t)|\psi(t)\rangle[/tex]

where q(t) is explicitly time-dependent, can we properly say that [tex]|\psi(t)\rangle[/tex] is an eigenstate of Q with a time-dependent eigenvalue. That is, [tex]|\psi(t)\rangle[/tex] remains a eigenstate of Q for all times but its eigenvalue is different depending on when you measure it?

For example, suppose we had a wave function of the form

[tex]\psi(x,t)\propto e^{ixg(t)+h(t))}[/tex]

then applying the momentum operator we find

[tex]-i\frac{\partial}{\partial x}\psi(x,t)=g(t)\psi(x,t)[/tex].

Would you say that [tex]\psi(x,t)[/tex] is momentum eigenstate with momentum = g(t)?
 
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This wave function is a eigenfunction of the Hamiltonian, and because the momentum operator commutes with the hamiltonian, it is also a eigenfunction of the momentum. You can write this wave function as

[tex] \psi(x,t)\propto e^{i(p x-E t))}[/tex]

Where p corresponds to the eigenvalue of the momentum operator and E corresponds to the eigenvalue of the energy operator.
 

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